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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Sodium in low-rank coal

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6458284
An important parameter used to determine quality of many low-rank coals is the sodium content of the coal ash. During combustion sodium captures sulfur and forms a layer on boiler heat exchange surfaces that is the precursor to the formation of ash fouling deposits. Once the deposit starts to form, sodium acts as a fluxing agent to lower the melting point of ash particles which aids in binding the particles together to strengthen the deposit. The association of the sodium in the coal may aid in determining the association of the sodium in the deposit. However, because of the possibility of the volatilization of some inorganics that are associated with the organic matter in low-rank coals, the measurement of the sodium concentration in coal ash may not be truly indicative of the sodium concentration of the coal. Therefore, to accurately determine the effect of sodium on the formation of ash fouling deposits, it is suggested that the sodium concentration be measured directly in the coal by using acid digestion and subsequently analyzing the digest. 11 refs., 5 figs.
Research Organization:
North Dakota Univ., Grand Forks (USA). Energy Research Center
DOE Contract Number:
FC21-83FE60181
OSTI ID:
6458284
Report Number(s):
DOE/FE/60181-176; CONF-860219-1; ON: DE86003912
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English